FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., providing services in corporate finance and restructuring, forensic and litigation consulting, economic consulting, strategic communications and technology. The comp...
"I joined as an analyst and learned more in a year than I expected. The people are smart and helpful, and you will get exposure to big, interesting problems." — junior consultant
"I loved the team camaraderie, but you should be ready for client-driven timelines. When projects ramp up, you will see long days, but you will also get credit for visible work." — mid-level manager
"Working at FTI felt like stepping into a global network. There are chances to work across practices and geographies. The mentorship is real; some partners took time to coach me." — senior consultant
These snippets reflect common threads you will hear when asking about working at FTI Consulting: challenging work, supportive peers, and client pressure that can intensify at times.
The company culture at FTI Consulting blends professional rigor with a pragmatic, client-first mindset. People value competence and results, but there is also a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge-sharing. You will find pockets of entrepreneurial energy where teams build practices and push into new service areas. The phrase "company culture at FTI Consulting" often comes up when candidates describe a meritocratic environment where performance opens doors.
Conversations about work-life balance at FTI Consulting are mixed. Some roles—especially back-office and corporate functions—offer predictable hours and good balance. Client-facing consulting roles may involve long stretches of intense work tied to deadlines and deal closings. If you value stability, look for internal roles; if you are excited by fast-paced consulting, you will trade some personal time for rapid career growth.
FTI Consulting operates in an industry where demand fluctuates with the economy and clients’ needs. Job security is generally stable for performers and for functions that support steady revenue streams. There will be risk during market downturns or strategic restructuring. High performers typically retain good protection because their skills are billable and transferable.
Leadership is experienced and typically client-focused. Senior leaders set clear financial and strategic priorities. Middle management quality varies more; some managers excel in developing talent and delegating, while others concentrate on billable targets. The leadership approach favors accountability and measured risk-taking. There is a visible focus on growing advisory capabilities and broadening service offerings.
Managers at FTI Consulting tend to be technically strong and outcome-oriented. Good managers invest in coaching, provide candid feedback, and advocate for team members. Less-effective managers often struggle with workload distribution and may prioritize immediate client demands over long-term team development. If you take time in interviews to evaluate potential managers, you will often get a good sense of day-to-day support.
FTI invests in training: onboarding curricula, role-based workshops, and access to external certifications. There are formal training programs for consulting skills, industry knowledge, and leadership development. Mentorship and on-the-job learning are big parts of the development path. Employees who proactively seek feedback and take advantage of resources usually progress faster.
Promotion tracks are structured and performance-driven. There are clear benchmarks for moving from analyst to consultant, to manager, and beyond. Competition can be stiff, and promotions depend on billable performance, client impact, and internal visibility. Employees who network across practices and volunteer for stretch assignments increase their promotion chances.
Salaries at FTI Consulting are competitive within the consulting and financial advisory market. Typical ranges vary by role and geography:
Compensation reflects market benchmarks and is adjusted by region. Total compensation is a blend of base salary, bonuses, and benefits.
Bonuses are generally performance-based and aligned with individual, team, and firm results. Incentive programs reward client wins, retention, and business development. High performers can receive meaningful bonuses, while average performers see modest payouts. There are also non-monetary incentives, such as performance recognition programs and client exposure opportunities.
FTI offers a standard suite of health and insurance benefits. Employees will typically have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, along with life insurance and disability coverage. There are retirement savings plans with company matching, and flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts where applicable. Benefits packages are competitive and administered regionally.
The firm runs regular town halls, practice-level meetings, and social events to build camaraderie. There are charity initiatives, industry panels, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Engagement is strongest where local offices organize small-group activities that balance work and social time.
Remote work support at FTI Consulting is pragmatic. Technology and collaboration tools are in place, and hybrid arrangements are common for many roles. Client-facing assignments will often require onsite work or travel. The firm supports remote work when project needs and team arrangements allow it.
Average working hours vary significantly by role. Corporate roles often align with standard business hours. Consulting staff can expect a baseline of 40–50 hours per week, with busy periods extending to 60+ hours depending on deadlines. Time management skills and clear communication with managers are helpful in managing workload.
Attrition is moderate and tends to rise or fall with market cycles and practice demand. The firm has undergone periodic restructuring to align with strategic priorities, as is common in advisory firms. Employees who maintain a strong billability record and client relationships experience more stability during transitions.
Overall, FTI Consulting is a strong choice for people who want rigorous experience, client exposure, and a merit-based path. On a 5-point scale, a reasonable overall rating would be 4.0 out of 5. The firm scores well on career development, benefits, and professional challenge; it is less ideal for those strictly seeking predictable hours or a low-pressure environment. If you value growth and real-world advisory experience, working at FTI Consulting can be very rewarding.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at FTI Consulting
Supportive manager, structured mentorship, interesting client work and a flexible hybrid schedule that actually works.
Frequent travel during busy seasons and sometimes slow salary band adjustments compared to market.
Interesting economic modeling work, strong subject-matter experts, and the remote flexibility was helpful.
Base salaries lagged market during my time and promotions moved slowly for mid-level folks.
Good technical training, collaborative teams, and exposure to cutting-edge projects with large clients.
Workload spikes around deadlines and some internal processes feel bureaucratic at times.
Fast-paced environment, hands-on client exposure, and solid on-the-job learning opportunities.
Long hours during busy periods and contract roles can feel uncertain when renewal time comes.
FTI brand opens doors, you work on big deals and learn from smart colleagues across practices.
Politics at senior levels, long hours are common and work-life balance suffers for managers.
